July 15
Chester, IL to Farmington, MO
49 miles
Our day was bookended by thunderstorms with a whole lotta muggy heat in between. Typical summer weather in these parts, apparently. The ride through Chester this morning was amusing; this town’s claim to fame is in being the hometown of Popeye’s creator, and Popeye and all his buddies are everywhere. Now if we could just find spinach to eat. Just after passing the Popeye statue, we were on a small bridge crossing the mighty Mississippi. Now that is one big river! We would have loved to have taken a picture but there was nowhere to pull over and we didn’t think that even the most patient of motorists would have taken kindly to waiting while we played tourist.
Today’s ride was beautiful, once again, but it was hard to appreciate the scenery with the pain we were in. After a too short ride along the fertile floodplain, we started into the foothills of the Ozarks. If what we went through today are just baby Ozarks, boy are we in trouble when we get into the big boys. On the other hand, we’re riding on legs that have been going hard for 8 days solid and they are drained. Even though we hate to get another day behind, we have to be realistic and take a rest day before riding through the heart of the Ozarks.
Tonight’s sleeping arrangements are the most unusual of our trip yet. The firemen of Farmington welcomed us and two other cyclists (Chris and Kyle: our first encounter with fellow Westbounders) out of the rain and thunder. We are now resting comfortably in the Farmington Fire Station’s air-conditioned Mobile Command Unit. It’s a gigantic hi-tech bus with cable tv so we can watch the Tour de France. The guys here are super friendly and have really made us feel at home – welcoming us to hang out in their break room and have full use of all their facilities. We hope to have a restful night, barring any local disasters.
Hey you two,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you're in good hands with the Farmington Fire Department. That must be some of the great "Southern Hospitality" we only read about in California. You both look very lean and trim, 'course who wouldn't after all that pedaling. It's been roasting hot here in Solvang but fortunately we don't have the humidity and thunderstorms you have to deal with. We went to the Santa Barbara County Fair yesterday- a little slice of "Americana".
Hope your ups are not too up and your downs are long and lingering.
Love- M & D / P & S
Hi U 2 favorite sssssyclits. . .
ReplyDeleteI'm home from nirvana land north. Quiet lapping salt water with crystal clear skies after the first few cloudy, cool days and dips in the water. I'm with you in the O-zarks tho! I hope that your thighs are holding up and you think of the climbs in the Tour to keep you pumping! Bonded across the globe.
I'm so glad to hear some news even condensed. I was starting to have a wee worry about how things were going. You rode some long days there in the down communication times. I can feel it.
I can see you exiting the Ozarks and hitting some flats and being a two woman team drafting and flying over the flat lands. A sight to be seen.
Tomorrow is wedding time. We are he 66th Street crew for Brooke. Putting up and taking down. Hopefully with a great BBQ break.
I'll try and get out on my bike and start riding in hopes of catching you up.
Much love and as always a jolt to your legs - your neighb Lini
Whoops a typo in the first opener! sorry I'm tired and my fingers are working - PLEASE EXCUSE!
ReplyDeleteXO
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Whoops my fingers are NOT working!
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Fowler to Fire Command, Fowler to Fire Command, Come in Fire Command - embers still burning at Fowler house- insurance won't cover!
ReplyDeleteYour rest day is but a wistful memory but I hope it helped your weary quads.
Love love love all your pix - I thought the creator of Popeye was a crusty New Englander - go figure!
PUSH ON LADIES OF THE OZARKS!!!!!!
Big love to you both,
Beth
P.S. Eli wants me to be sure to reiterate the cake request...